Review of the Moral Sense by James Wilson

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Aug 20, 2011 Tania rated it really liked information technology

I normally wouldn't give a book that is this boring such a high rating. Some of the chapters are longer than they demand to be. Despite that, Wilson's argument is and then interesting that it is worth struggling through some rather hard writing to try to understand information technology.

Wilson is making a very conservative argument that argues that everyone is born with an innate moral sense, but that the family unit is central to socializing children to express that basic human nature. He uses extensive reference materials to

I usually wouldn't give a book that is this slow such a high rating. Some of the chapters are longer than they need to exist. Despite that, Wilson's argument is and then interesting that it is worth struggling through some rather difficult writing to try to empathise it.

Wilson is making a very conservative argument that argues that anybody is built-in with an innate moral sense, but that the family is key to socializing children to express that basic human nature. He uses extensive reference materials to support his argument. In the terminate, I wasn't convinced that his thesis was right, only he made me consider possibilities and arguments that I had not contemplated in the by. Some of his arguments about women were conspicuously sexist, and he didn't dorsum it upwards in a mode that made it seem like anything more than anti-feminist rhetoric. Overall, nevertheless, some of what he said did make sense. The book made me recollect, which a decent philosophical essay ought to do.

If yous are willing to read a book you might non agree with, and you are interested in philosophy/morality, this volume is worth the effort.

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Apr 11, 2012 Jeff Delisle rated it it was amazing

I first heard of Dr. Wilson later recently reading glowing obituaries in many respected publications. His didactics and publications have been influential to many better known authorities. As I am a psychiatrist working with emotionally disturbed adolescents, I felt I should know his piece of work better. I have non been disappointed. Dr. Wilson's thesis is that development of a moral sense is an inherently human feature. This stance contradicts many popular views, including that of moral relativis I offset heard of Dr. Wilson after recently reading glowing obituaries in many respected publications. His instruction and publications accept been influential to many amend known regime. Every bit I am a psychiatrist working with emotionally disturbed adolescents, I felt I should know his work better. I take non been disappointed. Dr. Wilson'southward thesis is that development of a moral sense is an inherently human being characteristic. This opinion contradicts many popular views, including that of moral relativism, which seems to hold sway in academia. DocWilson is a synthetic and creative thinker. He plays off-white. Rather than falling back on polemics, he advances his argument past articles across a number of scholarly disciplines, including cloth which might counter his stance.
Some of the material is inherently dry, but his prose is lucid and his logic elegant, and he held my interest throughout. The Moral Sense has added profoundly to my noesis and is leap to have a significant impact on my piece of work. ...more

Jul xix, 2014 Wil Roese rated it it was amazing

It seems strange to me that anyone would doubt the existence of a moral sense. Do these doubters non have a moral sense? If they do have a moral sense and so how tin they doubtfulness the existence of something they themselves have? If you do not take a moral sense yourself and so this book gives objective show from the fields of child psychology and anthropology that most humans practise in fact have a moral sense.

April 01, 2022 Chris Boutté rated it information technology was astonishing

This is an amazing book, and at the fourth dimension of writing this review, it's free with an Audible membership. James Wilson's book starts out with rising crime rates around the globe and explains how it's not just limited to the The states. He's not concerned with why crime rates are ascension, only he looks to explain why we're not all running around similar offense-committing lunatics. I admittedly loved how he starts this book with the introduction and first couple chapters just challenging a lot of the po This is an astonishing book, and at the time of writing this review, it's free with an Audible membership. James Wilson'southward volume starts out with rising crime rates around the globe and explains how information technology'southward not just limited to the Usa. He's not concerned with why criminal offence rates are ascent, just he looks to explicate why nosotros're not all running around like crime-committing lunatics. I absolutely loved how he starts this book with the introduction and first couple chapters just challenging a lot of the popular explanations of morality, altruism and cooperation. I've read dozens of books on this topic, and he really got me thinking most some of these concepts.

The book goes on to explain a lot of evolutionary and moral psychology likewise as a bit of philosophy (not much). It's definitely worth the read if you're interested in human nature and morality. There were a couple of chapters toward the end that kind of bored me, but other than that, it was phenomenal, and I definitely recommend information technology.

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Sep ten, 2019 Serge rated it information technology was amazing

Excellent riff on Adam Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments. I particularly enjoyed the gimmicky contexts for examinations of sympathy, duty, cocky-control and fairness. My AP Seminar class has chosen to utilise Wilson's assay to contempo debates most the double-edged hope of social media ( see Brad Smith's Tools and Weapons). Sympathy as standard online is unfortunately as well rare. Wilson's thoughts on fairness and duty in the absence of sympathy could lead usa forward in a new online social c Fantabulous riff on Adam Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments. I especially enjoyed the contemporary contexts for examinations of sympathy, duty, self-control and fairness. My AP Seminar course has chosen to apply Wilson's analysis to contempo debates near the double-edged promise of social media ( see Brad Smith'south Tools and Weapons). Sympathy as standard online is unfortunately too rare. Wilson's thoughts on fairness and duty in the absence of sympathy could lead us forward in a new online social contract. ...more than

Nov 01, 2017 Feng Ouyang rated it actually liked it

The theme of the book is that there are universal moral senses among human being. Therefore, the notion that everything depends on the culture (culture relativism) is wrong.
The book argues this bespeak by looking at some basic components of moral, such as sympathy, fairness, cocky-control and duty. The author argued from several points that these virtues are universal and "natural" to all human beings.
• People are built-in with them (infants display such qualities)
• People feel compelled to justify actions The theme of the book is that at that place are universal moral senses among human. Therefore, the notion that everything depends on the culture (culture relativism) is wrong.
The book argues this signal by looking at some basic components of moral, such as sympathy, fairness, self-control and duty. The author argued from several points that these virtues are universal and "natural" to all homo beings.
• People are built-in with them (infants display such qualities)
• People experience compelled to justify actions against these qualities.
• These qualities prove up beyond the culture boundaries.
The writer then await at more than complicated social behaviors such kinship and groupness, families (devotions to spouses and children), gender-specific beliefs patterns, and some universal values. The author pointed out that although these behaviors differ among different cultures, societies and historical periods, there are nevertheless universal commonalities.
The writer concludes his argument by distinguishing basic moral senses and social norms. He states that although we share the aforementioned moral senses, they manifest into different social norms depending on culture and historical contexts. And then while nosotros should recognize cultural differences, it does not mean we choose our social norms arbitrarily, or we cannot judge somebody's behavior with some universal standard.
The volume has some logical analyses based on voluminous research and facts from literature. It also analyzed moral theories in the Western thinking. What I like near this book is the fact that the author does non have a rigid presumption. Instead, he adopts his conclusions based on evidence. His statements are stronger in some places and weaker in others. It is very enjoyable to read because of the amusing tone. On the other paw, the book does not have a articulate thread leading to a clear determination. It sometimes feel similar a compilation of relevant facts, without a logical direction. So patients are chosen for when reading it. Do not attempt to reduce it to bullet points or a line of argument. Instead, bask the rational discourse and contemplate the basic question yourself: is in that location a universal moral standard?
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This is supposed to be Wilson's masterpiece, and information technology does seem well written. But it starts out by opposing scientific discipline and reason on the one hand, and morality and religion on the other. This is, equally far as I'thousand concerned, a fake dichotomy. Wilson felt that using the give-and-take "values" would let people talk about morality, just "values" is a word that means very picayune. Wilson also felt that we accept an intuitive idea of what we're obligated to do, which is our "moral sense." Merely this ignores the many situat This is supposed to exist Wilson's masterpiece, and it does seem well written. But it starts out by opposing science and reason on the i hand, and morality and organized religion on the other. This is, as far equally I'm concerned, a false dichotomy. Wilson felt that using the word "values" would let people talk about morality, but "values" is a give-and-take that ways very trivial. Wilson likewise felt that nosotros have an intuitive idea of what we're obligated to practice, which is our "moral sense." But this ignores the many situations where values are opposed to each other, when we accept to choose between, say, loyalty to our family and our obligations as public servants.

Wilson was a bourgeois who believed that the 60s undermined values, and this smug, presumptuous mental attitude fabricated the volume distasteful to me.

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April 10, 2020 Chrisanne rated it it was amazing

This book took me forever... not because it was terrible, but because it's impossible to skim and I kept having to reread sections when I picked information technology upwards every other day(reading with a newborn who won't nap is hard!).

Wilson makes some solid points, both scientifically and philosophically. We're non talking faith here-- simply nature vs nurture. I learned a lot about nature simply also relearned much of what I knew about Kant, Rousseau, Hume, Locke, Aristotle, etc. I suppose that'due south why I liked information technology.

I

This book took me forever... non considering it was terrible, but because it's impossible to skim and I kept having to reread sections when I picked it upwards every other mean solar day(reading with a newborn who won't nap is difficult!).

Wilson makes some solid points, both scientifically and philosophically. We're not talking religion hither-- simply nature vs nurture. I learned a lot about nature merely also relearned much of what I knew about Kant, Rousseau, Hume, Locke, Aristotle, etc. I suppose that'southward why I liked it.

I specifically committed to pick up Adam Smith at least once in my life(Humanities excerpts notwithstanding).

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May 01, 2011 Nicole Smith rated it really liked it

I tin't remember what I was reading that suggested I read this book, merely I'm glad I did. It took me a while to get through it, but I think the examples and points made are very clear and in some ways scary. Reading this also made me desire to become dorsum to "The De-moralization of Guild" by Gertrude Himmelfarb. I know that society at big does not agree upon what is moral and what behaviors should be encouraged or banned, but I honestly think that one of our big problems is that we are not willing I can't remember what I was reading that suggested I read this book, simply I'thou glad I did. It took me a while to get through it, but I think the examples and points fabricated are very clear and in some ways scary. Reading this besides made me want to get back to "The De-moralization of Society" by Gertrude Himmelfarb. I know that gild at big does not agree upon what is moral and what behaviors should be encouraged or banned, but I honestly think that one of our big problems is that we are non willing, or perhaps not able, to take discussions and find places where there is common ground or head on acknowledge places in that location is not agreement, and discuss potential implications/outcomes. ...more

An one-time-fashioned essay, which is to say that it'south a little dull and diffuse. Still, Wilson draws from a wide variety of sources and combines them into a lengthy test of contemporary morality. Equally you lot might await, he doesn't retrieve much of Darwinian or Smithian reductionism, but he'due south happy to use economic or biological explanations for human behaviour when it suits him. I specially liked his cursory dissection of gangsta culture and thought that it adds to previous economic explanations of t An one-time-fashioned essay, which is to say that it's a petty dull and lengthened. Still, Wilson draws from a wide variety of sources and combines them into a lengthy exam of contemporary morality. Every bit yous might expect, he doesn't retrieve much of Darwinian or Smithian reductionism, but he's happy to utilise economical or biological explanations for human being behaviour when information technology suits him. I particularly liked his cursory autopsy of gangsta culture and thought that it adds to previous economical explanations of the phenomenon. ...more

Dec 19, 2016 Hina Ansari rated it did non similar it

DNF - I got about 200 pages through this book and it was but so out of touch with the way the world is at present. I had expected this to exist more of a substantive self help book, but that never really came together. The first one-half was interesting, just it was simply a collection of ideas. There was never any resonance to the concepts and equally the book went on, it became more and more than of a chore to read.

Very interesting to skim and also to slow down on some sections (according to what interests you every bit a reader). Information technology's a bit dumbo at points simply full of adept sense, extensive examples, and thought-provoking analyses. Very interesting to skim and also to slow downward on some sections (according to what interests yous as a reader). It's a flake dumbo at points only full of skillful sense, extensive examples, and thought-provoking analyses. ...more

Apr 03, 2008 Thomas rated it it was amazing

It is a great book to ponder to what extent morality is socially constructed or an inherent quality in man beings. Wilson challenges much of the moral relativism that continues to permeate social constructivist thought.

Feb 27, 2011 Hans rated information technology actually liked it

Most intriguing argument made by this writer is how all the social institutions were created to essentially control the destructive nature of male aggression.

Apr 25, 2012 Sarah marked it as on-the-back-burner

Only couldn't get my mind to focus on the droll information. Just couldn't get my heed to focus on the droll data. ...more

October 24, 2020 Clint rated it it was astonishing

Others take complained that the approach James Q. Wilson takes in The Moral Sense is presumptuous and shallow. I don't know what book they read. I found Wilson refreshingly self-deprecating and extremely mindful of avoiding excessive claims. Throughout the volume he admits caveats and weaknesses to his central hypothesis, while steadily accumulating prove from multiple lines to support its truth.

That hypothesis is that while they are certainly and strongly affected by nurture, science and commo

Others have complained that the arroyo James Q. Wilson takes in The Moral Sense is presumptuous and shallow. I don't know what book they read. I found Wilson refreshingly self-deprecating and extremely mindful of fugitive excessive claims. Throughout the book he admits caveats and weaknesses to his fundamental hypothesis, while steadily accumulating bear witness from multiple lines to support its truth.

That hypothesis is that while they are certainly and strongly affected past nurture, science and mutual experience indicate that human beings do have a common nature, from which arises mutual moral sentiments—sympathy, fairness, self-control, and duty. After marshaling a raft of sociological and psychological studies in support of that hypothesis, he moves on to its implications in society and, to some degree, policy. I found his arguments persuasive, merely that may exist due to the fact that I'd come to the same general conclusion many years ago, long before I read his book. Indeed, I was continually surprised while reading The Moral Sense just how much it seemed as if Wilson was attempting to explain and draw out my own view. And so I understand if someone else, coming from a different, especially reverse view, sees my agreement as so much confirmation bias.

I admit the possibility, merely I don't believe that should dissuade others from approaching his argument with as open up a mind as possible. Later on all, human beings exercise have a nature, and I don't retrieve information technology's too much a stretch to suggest that that nature might, after millions of years of evolution and thousands of years of social adaptation, encompasses some judgements of beliefs, both our own and that of others, that operate on united states of america below the level of culture, sex, peel colour, and personal experience. but are obviously affected by all four. To the degree that's the case, taking that nature, and those sentiments, into account when considering our laws and decrees would seem only to make sense. The framers of the American constitution certainly attempted to do so, based in their case on their review of how well certain governments and states had succeeded over time.

Whether the reader agrees with Wilson'southward conclusions about that or not, I do think he makes a serious and solicitous enough case that it can to the lowest degree prove an excellent clarifier for one's ain views on the matter. That, to me, is every bit good a reason to read a book equally whatever.

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Wilson'due south idea process is always an interesting read, but dissimilar Bureaucracy which practical his critical mind to the specific nature of government organizations, The Moral Sense tries to cast a wide glance over all of human beliefs. Unfortunately, the end result is unfocused and inconsistent. He tends to argue that humans are inevitably the same, guided by a common moral sense, but volition then catalog all of the moral failings of social club today based on some inverse variable (divorce, incarcerati Wilson's thought process is always an interesting read, but unlike Hierarchy which applied his critical mind to the specific nature of government organizations, The Moral Sense tries to bandage a broad glance over all of human behavior. Unfortunately, the stop effect is unfocused and inconsistent. He tends to argue that humans are inevitably the same, guided past a common moral sense, simply volition and then catalog all of the moral failings of guild today based on some changed variable (divorce, incarceration, etc.) He is wedded to the idea of nature, only goes to great lengths about the importance of nurture. In the cease, he produces plenty of interesting anecdotes and cites a few psych studies, but he as well leans heavily on "what we tend to do" with little bookish rigor to fill-in some of his claims. ...more than

"Flesh's moral sense is not a strong beacon light, radiating outward to illuminate in abrupt outline all that it touches. It is, rather, a small candle flame, casting vague and multiple shadows, flickering and sputtering in the potent winds of ability and passion, greed and ideology. Simply brought close to the center and cupped in ane'south hands, information technology dispels the darkness and warms the soul."

Mar 02, 2017 Reader Variety rated it actually liked it

Wilson, controversially, delves into whether morality is absolute, or simply relative depending on the fourth dimension and place. He sides with the former, explaining how qualities similar sympathy, fairness, self-control, duty, modesty, backbone and integrity are constants.

Excellent treatment of the topic of the origin of our moral sense, weaving psychology, brain science and philosophy together. We documented.

I was surprised to find some effort past the author to present his findings with honesty, and in many places information given defenseless my full attention. At i point in the book, he credits northern European/western civilization as existence superior to whatever in history, and not a piffling but far superior coming correct to the door Jesus Christ, but then abruptly walking away still lost and hell-bound.
Here though I must say that the whole premise of his 'thesis' is based on falsehood. The greatest of cont I was surprised to find some attempt by the writer to present his findings with honesty, and in many places information given caught my full attention. At one point in the book, he credits northern European/western civilization every bit existence superior to whatever in history, and not a piddling but far superior coming right to the door Jesus Christ, simply then abruptly walking away however lost and hell-leap.
Hither though I must say that the whole premise of his 'thesis' is based on falsehood. The greatest of contradictions perhaps. That being the belief that man has been produced by development, and yet the whole piece of work is on the morality of that homo in many societies through many ages.
Morality. Is it measurable? Or a conscience which denies or affirms the morality of an deed? Being animals according to devilish theory of evolution, is morality a reality or a creation of the mind, the imagination?
The premise (proven past the way) that at that place is a Supreme and Holy God being the Creator, and human created in His image is the only conclusion of logic, nature, and law possible. Otherwise it is unworkable and unprovable.
Holy is the Lord God and that His holiness is pure morals.
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Feb 16, 2014 Steve rated it it was amazing

I similar everything Sam Harris writes. This book, although a bit on the intellectual side, was a very interesting, thought provoking, and thought revision read. His vocabulary overwhelmed mine and I spent a lot of fourth dimension looking up words. But I like that. If y'all desire to become a very interesting perspective Morals and Morality - read this.

Jan 22, 2014 Peter rated it liked information technology

Confirms J.H.Breasted'south piece of work on ancient Arab republic of egypt. Approximate what, morality does not come from Christianity. Run across Greek philophy, meet ancient Egypt. Confirms J.H.Breasted's piece of work on ancient Egypt. Guess what, morality does not come from Christianity. Come across Greek philophy, see aboriginal Egypt. ...more

I liked hierarchy a lot better - this seemed to ephemeral a topic to necktie down. But I read information technology as an audiobook then perchance I didn't give it plenty attention I liked hierarchy a lot better - this seemed to ephemeral a topic to tie down. But I read it every bit an audiobook so maybe I didn't give it plenty attention ...more

The neuroscience of morality was fascinating, the history of science less so. I enjoyed it thoroughly until it wore on me and I stopped.

James Q. Wilson was ane of the leading contemporary criminologists in the United States. Wilson, who has taught at several major universities during his academic career, has also written on economics and politics during his lengthy career. During the 1960s and 1970s, Wilson voiced concerns about trying to address the social causes of crime. He argued instead that public policy is almost effective wh James Q. Wilson was one of the leading contemporary criminologists in the U.s.a.. Wilson, who has taught at several major universities during his academic career, has besides written on economic science and politics during his lengthy career. During the 1960s and 1970s, Wilson voiced concerns about trying to accost the social causes of law-breaking. He argued instead that public policy is most effective when it focuses on objective matters like the costs and benefits of crime. Wilson views criminals equally rational human being beings who will non commit crimes when the costs associated with crime become impractical.

James Q. Wilson well-nigh recently taught at Boston College and Pepperdine University. He was Professor Emeritus of Management and Public Administration at UCLA and was previously Shattuck Professor of Regime at Harvard Academy. He wrote more than than a dozen books on the subjects of public policy, bureaucracy, and political philosophy. He was president of the American Political Science Association, and he is the merely political scientist to win three of the four lifetime achievement awards presented by the APSA. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation'southward highest civilian award, in 2003.

Professor Wilson passed away in March of 2012 after contesting cancer. His work helped shape the field of political science in the United states. His many years of service to his American Authorities book remain evident on every page and will go along for many editions to come.

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